G.I. Bill helps Ray go from Air Force to accounting

Drury University student Brad Ray in front of the A-10 Warthog, the aircraft he works on during his reserve duties.

"The members of thearmed forces have been compelled to make greater economic sacrifice and every other kind of sacrifice than the rest of us, and they are entitled to definite action to help take care of their special problems." - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

That 1943 quote from FDR laid the groundwork for the G.I. Bill, which made funds available for military personnel to pursue education and training. Nearly 70 years later, one Drury student and Air Force veteran is making the most of every educational opportunity.

Brad Ray graduated from Windsor High School in 1999. He moved to Springfield at 18 and worked a few jobs, but he lacked focus.

However, after the attacks on the United States on 9/11, Ray became inspired. He decided to help his country and, at age 22, enlisted in the Air Force for six years.

Ray's military training was a sharp contrast to his prior freewheeling lifestyle, but it was just what he needed.

"Basic military training was one of the most influential things I've ever been through," he said. "It gave me more discipline."

Ray became a crew chief for a team that maintained the U-2 Dragon Lady, a reconnaissance aircraft that flies at the edge of space. During his first assignment, Ray began taking classes at a community college and eventually earned a bachelor's in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He continued his education while stationed in the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, earning a Master of Business Administration online.

After his six-year stint, Ray wasn't done with the Air Force or education. He's an active reservist, and he's earning an accounting degree from Drury on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

"I thought I could take enough classes just to sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam. I cold-called Accounting Professor Penny Clayton and she took a great interest in what I wanted to do. After talking to Dr. Clayton, I decided to get my accounting degree," Ray said.

"From the first time I spoke with Brad, I knew he was serious about a career in accounting and would be dedicated to getting the most from his educational experience," Clayton said.

He is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2014. That's when he plans to begin "climbing the corporate ladder." For now, he is enjoying life as a 31-year-old college student.

"I have an opportunity most people would kill for: reliving your youth. I'm at this beautiful university and I appreciate it much more than I would have 10 years ago. I've been lucky."

Story by Mark Miller, Drury's associate director of marketing and communications